Want a Camera

Hi,
I'm new here and want to get into Photography.
I usually pick things up pretty quickly.
I don't have a camera now, and have never fully used a high end film camera.
I would like to get a good Digital, like maybe a Canon A570 style camera.
Do I need to read up on aperture and stuff like that before I buy something like this? When I looked at them at the store, they didn't seem that difficult.
Thanks in advance.

It would definitely help your understanding of your camera and how everything works to know aperture, shutter speed, ISO. In other words exposure. "Understanding Exposure" is a great book for this type of thing.

Of course its not mandatory that you read it before you buy your camera but it would definitely help especially if you want to use manual modes.

I 2nd that book, it is a great book! I believe the A570 is a point and shoot if you really want to get into photography I would get an SLR even if it is an film one. Look on ebay and check camera stores for used cameras, you can get something as low as 60 dollar, but most likely you'll spend 100. Or if you can afford it, you can get a DSLR for around 600 - 700 dollars.

I don't know anything about the FZ20, but I heard nothing but enthusiastic reviews and comments from people in the know about the FZ18. It ought to serve me well for quite some time given my limited knowledge at this point.